Things to Do

Brooks Scenic Lake Air Tours

Brooks Sea Plane ServiceCity Dock at Independence PointExperience the wonder and excitement of a seaplane flight over the breathtaking beauty of North Idaho. Sightseeing and charter flights from what has been rated “one of the most beautiful” places in the world. will take you on a Coeur d’Alene Lake Loop flight. It is a 40 mile, 20 minute flight that will take you over 125 miles of shoreline. You’ll also see the Chain Lakes, the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe Rivers. Return over Beauty Bay, Fernan Lake and the city of Coeur d’Alene. Ask about group rates, charter flights, and flights of longer duration.

Emerald Creek Garnet Area

There are only two places in the world you can find Star Garnets - India and in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests! The garnets found here are called "star garnets" because of a unique property that causes some of them to display a reflection like a four or six pointed star. India is the only other place in the world where star garnets like these are found in any quantity.

The 12-sided (dodecahedron) crystals found here range in size from sand particles to golf-ball or larger size. Gem quality faceting material is also found at the Garnet Area.

The Forest Service has developed the Garnet Area as a place where the public may collect these unique gems in a safe and environmentally friendly way. In the past, people would dig in the stream bed in search of the garnets. Now, due to concerns for water quality, aquatic habitat, and public safety, the Forest Service provides a stockpile of garnet bearing gravels from which people can gather material to run through one of two sluice boxes in search of garnets. Learn more

Directions: From St. Maries, Idaho, follow Highway 3 south 24 miles to Road 447. Proceed southwest 8 miles on Road 447 to the parking area. Permits, information, and the sluice area are a 1/2 mile hike up 281 Gulch. Be aware that there is considerable logging traffic in the vicinity of the Garnet Area. Please drive with care!

Sprag Pole Museum

Located in Murray, Idaho and twenty miles from Wallace along Dobson Pass Road. At the height of the mining boom, Murray was a city of several thousand, complete with a thriving red light district. Murray was one of several boisterous mining camps that became active in the late 1880s in Northern Idaho. Mines operated in the area from the 1880s to the 1950s. A Northern Pacific railroad line served the community for two years during the 1910s.

Today, around six original buildings remain standing, including a tiny post office, a fire station, and two bars, including the Sprag Pole Inn (built in 1884). You can visit the free 10,000-square-foot history museum which features everything from a restored 1904 carnival organ to antique mining and logging tools including The World’s Longest Carved Wooden Chain. This 121-foot-long wooden chain was carved by Walt Almquist, builder of the Sprag Pole Museum and long-time resident of Murray.

Western Adventures

Red Horse Mountain RanchRed Horse Mountain Ranch has been a family dude ranch vacation getaway and retreat since 1947 and has just become Idaho’s newest member of the National Dude Ranchers’ Association. They provide a high ropes and challenge course, kayaking tours, miles of scenic trails, kids program, horseback trail rides, fly fishing, as well as countless other seasonal activities. It is also a perfect setting for couples vacations, singles vacations, family dude ranch vacations, and corporate retreats. For more information call 208-689-9680.www.redhorsemountain.com

Rockin B RanchFor 17 years, the Rockin’ B Ranch was home to the Cowboy Supper Show, bluegrass concerts, jazz nights,McManus Comedies, and several special concerts and performances.The owners and founders, Scott and Pamela Brownlee, decided to retire the Cowboy Supper Show as of October 1, 2011.

Fishing - Catch the Big One

Orvis Northwest OutfittersSince 1997 Northwest Outfitters has been the premier fly shop in Northwest Idaho offering a large selection of the industry's most respected fishing equipment and sportswear brands, including Orvis, Simms, Scott, Echo and Fishpond.You can expect attentive, personalized service from a friendly, knowledgeable staff that loves what they do!Northwest Outfitters has expert knowledge of local rivers and lakes, along with up-to-date fishing reports, guided trips and professional fly-fishing instruction to ensure you a successful and memorable angling experience.Contact us today to plan your next fly fishing trip! 208.667.2707 2171 N Main St, Village at Riverstone Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814website: www.nwoutfitters.com

Fins & FeathersBeautiful lake Cd’ A known for it’s wide variety of fish such as Chinook salmon, Northern pike, Sm & Lg mouth bass as well as tasty Kokanee is an anglers dream. Fins & Feathers tackle shop & guide service can help those dreams come true. Bait & tackle, information and professional guides can show you the lake. Spend on the water! Come fish with us on lake Coeur d’Alene...we’re on your way to the lake. 19th & Sherman Cd’A. 208.667.9304 • www.fins1.com

Pend Oreille ChartersAt Pend Oreille Charters, located in Hope, Idaho on Lake Pend Oreille, Kurt Artner will guide you as you fish for world class Gerrard Rainbow Trout in the twenty pound range. Lake Pend Oreille is home to almost all the IGFA line class records including the World Record 37 pounder caught in 1947. All gear furnished. 208.610.8540

Skiing and Snowboarding Fun

Schweitzer Mountain Ski ResortSchweitzer Mountain - Located in Sandpoint Idaho is a great summer and winter getaway. Stand at the top and stare at three mountain ranges, Canada and three states. Enjoy a variety of terrain from smooth groomers to wide open bowls and gladed runs. Then return to the top at hair flying speed thanks in part to Stella. Stella, as you will soon discover, is Idaho's only six-person high-speed lift.www.schweitzer.comFor reservations call 800.831.8810

Farmers Markets of North Idaho

There is no better place to buy your produce than directly from the farmer who just picked it earlier this morning. That’s what you get at the Farmers Market. Fresh, high-quality fruit and vegetables are what have made the local Farmers Market a huge success.

Along with perennial plants, there are annuals and hanging baskets for all occasions during the summer months. All Products sold at the market are exclusively grown in Northern Idaho.